The journey was a very sad and silent one, despite all. The thought of him who lay dying checked their joy at the approaching reunion; and the fear that he might be dead hung like a pall over the heart of Ray.
On arriving at Judestown, they procured a conveyance from Mr. Gudge, and started at a rapid pace for the Old Barrens Cottage.
It was nearly dark when they reached it, and all around was ominously silent and still. Ray’s heart sunk as he pushed open the door and entered.
The first person he encountered was Pet Lawless, who uttered an exclamation of joy as she beheld him.
“Oh, Petronilla! is he alive yet?” he asked.
“Just alive, and no more. The doctor says he has only a few hours to live.”
“Thank Heaven that we find him alive at all,” said Ray.
Then motioning the others to follow, he passed into the sitting-room.
It was tenanted only by the dying man and his wife, Marguerite. She crouched beside him just as Ray had seen her last—just as if she had never risen a second since.
The earl and countess followed, Ranty coming last. Lady Maude trembled like an aspen, and clung to her husband’s arm for support.